Numerous labourers live in overcrowded camps on the outskirts of Doha, which, according to the World Bank, are "fertile ground for transmission of CoVID-19".
[2] On March 9, Qatar announced a closure of all schools and universities until further notice[6] and placed a travel ban on 15 countries: Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Lebanon, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria, and Thailand.
[7] On March 13, the Ministry of Public Health announced the confirmation of 58 new cases of the disease, bringing the total to 320.
That same day, the CEO of Qatar Airways, Akbar Al Baker, stirred controversy by claiming that there was no scientific evidence proving that coronavirus can be transmitted during the incubation period.
On March 16, 2020, the Ministry of Public Health announced the recovery of four people from the disease at a press conference.
[11] The Ministry of Municipality and Environment closed all parks and public beaches to try to curb the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
[13] On March 23, Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) sought volunteers to support Qatar's response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
A spokesperson for the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management, HE Lolwah Rashid AlKhater, said: "We are looking for volunteers to help Qatar's healthcare sector as the number of Covid-19 cases increases and creates a strain on resources.
[17] On March 25, The Ministry of Public Health today announced the registration of 11 new confirmed cases of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) in the State of Qatar.
The Ministry of Public Health continues to conduct checks for all citizens travelling from abroad, as well as all contacts of infected cases.
The Ministry of Public Health urges all agencies and individuals to follow preventive measures and adhere to the requirements of home isolation to ensure their safety and that of their community, and not to go out unless absolutely necessary.
[18] On March 26, Spokesperson of the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management H E Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater announced 12 new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Qatar.
[19] On March 27, The Ministry of Public Health reported the registration of 13 new confirmed cases of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) in the State of Qatar.
[23] On March 31, The Ministry of Public Health announces 88 new confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) and 11 more patients having recovered.
[26] On April 3, The Ministry of Public Health announced the registration of 126 new confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the recovery of 21 patients in Qatar.
[52] On April 27, The Ministry of Public Health announced the registration of 957 new confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) and the recovery of 54 patients in Qatar.
[82] On May 25, Ministry of Public Health today announced 1751 new confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) and 1193 new recoveries in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of recovered people in Qatar to 10363.
[88] The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) announce the permitted working hours for private sector is also changed from 7 am until 8 pm.
[91] On June 8, Ministry of Public Health announces the registration of 1,368 new confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) and that 1,597 people have recovered from the disease in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of recoveries in the State of Qatar to 45,935.
[92] The Assistant Foreign Minister and Spokesperson of the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management Lolwah Rashid Al Khater give an update in a press conference to ease COVID-19 restrictions from the country in four phases.
Gradual lifting of restrictions will be based on striking a balance between health risks and social and economic benefits.
[93][94] The Qatari government worked to contain the virus by locking down the country and cutting off areas with migrant workers.
[4] A government official said that "anyone who tests positive for coronavirus immediately receives high-quality medical treatment at no cost.
"[4] On 29 September 2021, Qatar's cabinet said that starting from 3 October 2021, mask regulations would no longer apply to outdoor activities, except during organised public events, markets and exhibitions.
[95] Qatar state television publicly identified and shamed 14 citizens who violated restrictions set to curb the spread of the coronavirus, adding that nine of the persons had been arrested by authorities.
The 14 individuals were said to have violated a home quarantine pledge they undertook after returning from abroad, a presenter on Qatar state TV said.
Home isolation was an option given to citizens who returned to Qatar after the nation reported a spike in COVID-19 cases.
The article presented some interviews regarding their treatment, alleging that many of them have lost their jobs and have been forced to beg for food as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To ensure compliance, the Government of Qatar enhanced the detection of violations, enacted swifter penalties and strengthened the capacity of labour inspectors.
[99] In September, European Parliament member Marc Tarabella lauded Qatar for introducing safety measures and high-level standards of protection for all the workers.